In recent decades, there has been an upsurge of interest in "the Camino," the pilgrim's route to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. But where does this fascination in the spiritual exploration of the Middle Ages come from, and what is its significance? Virginia Sease and Manfred Schmidt-Brabant assert that we live in a time of spiritual quest, discovery, and change. Humanity is becoming increasingly sensitive, and primal memories are beginning to emerge in people's consciousness. Within this dynamic context of inner transformation, the Camino's historic importance is being reechoed in human souls. Rudolf Steiner explained that people need to live not only with outer history, but also with the esoteric, hidden narrative behind it--the history of the mysteries. Today, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the authors suggest that it is increasingly necessary for us to live consciously with this veiled history of humanity's continual search for communion with the divine world. Based on long research and contemplation, the authors present a survey of extraordinary breadth and depth. Focusing on the spiritual history of humankind, they begin with the cosmic origin of the Grail Mysteries and culminate with the suprasensory Michael cultus and the being of Anthroposophia. Topics also include: the school of Athens; early Christian art and its Gnostic impulses; the Grail initiation in northern Spain; the role of the Cathars and Troubadours in the Manichean spiritual stream; the Camino to Santiago de Compostela and the esoteric aspect of music for the pilgrims; the Music of the Spheres and the Elders of the Apocalypse; the Templars as emissaries of the Holy Grail; the initiations of Christian Rosenkreutz and his relation to anthroposophical art; the early Rosicrucian impulses in America and Europe; and much more.

In this major collection, Rudolf Steiner affirms the reality of esoteric Christianity and unveils many of its secret teachings. His lectures are on the significance of the Mystery of Golgotha and of the Blood that flowed on the Cross; the relationship of Christ and Lucifer (or Love and Knowledge); the various paths of initiation, including the Christian-Gnostic and Rosicrucian Paths; and Steiner's early interpretations of St. John's gospel and the sermon on the mount. All of Steiner's lectures on the Lord's Prayer are also included, as well as the version of the prayer that Steiner himself prayed throughout his life. This is an excellent book for all those who want to deepen their understanding of the Western stream of Christian esotericism and Rudolf Steiner's approach to Christianity as a spiritual practice.